Overview

HumeLink is a new 500kV transmission line which will connect Wagga Wagga, Bannaby and Maragle.

It is one of the state’s largest energy infrastructure projects, with about 365 km of proposed new transmission lines, and new or upgraded infrastructure at four locations.

Why do we need HumeLink?

To meet our future energy demands, Australia needs to transition to a greater mix of low-emission renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. HumeLink will deliver a more reliable and more sustainable grid by increasing the amount of renewable energy that can be delivered across the national electricity grid, helping to transition Australia to a low carbon future.

Project update

HumeLink has received planning approval from the NSW government

On 14 November 2024, HumeLink received planning approval from the NSW government.

This approval followed a detailed environmental assessment process. The HumeLink project submitted an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Amendment Report, Submissions Report and a Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR), recognised as one of the largest biodiversity assessment reports completed in NSW. 

The HumeLink project will now be assessed by the Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. This determination is expected in the coming weeks.

What are the next steps?

The NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces has issued Transgrid with Conditions of Approval which shape engagement with landowners and the community, and guide how the potential impacts of the project must be managed during construction.

Transgrid is also working with our delivery partners on the Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) which must be approved by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure before construction starts.

When is construction expected to start? 

Subject to approvals, site set up and construction works are expected to commence in early 2025.

Local Business Register

We are interested in hearing from sole traders and businesses in the region that could provide a variety of products or services including engineering, design, general trades, administration, and Indigenous and support services. We’re also keen to hear from catering, accommodation, graphic design and printing services.

If you have a local business in the following Local Government Areas and are interested in working on the HumeLink Project, we would love to hear from you- simply complete our online form via the below link:

  • Upper Lachlan Shire
  • Yass Valley Council
  • Snowy Valleys Council
  • Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council
  • Wagga Wagga City Council, or
  • Goulburn Mulwaree
  • Hilltops Council

Local employment and supplier opportunities for HumeLink East and HumeLink West will be made widely available in the coming months.

The information collected will be shared with major construction contractors as planning progresses and opportunities arise. The local business register will also be the project teams’ first port of call when we are looking to procure goods and services at various stages of the project.

Please note, registering your interest does not guarantee employment.

Timeline

  • Investigation of project options - Completed

    From 2019

  • Regulatory Investment Test (RIT-T) process - Completed

    From 2019, completed 2021

  • 1 km study corridor identified - Completed

    Early 2020

  • Community and landowner consultation - Completed

    Early 2020

    Community Consultative groups established late 2021

  • Environmental, field and technical studies - Completed

    From 2021 to 2023

  • Refined 200 m corridor announced - Completed

    Mid 2022

  • Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) issued - Completed

    Mid 2022

  • Underground Feasibility Study - Completed

    Mid 2022

  • NSW Department of Planning and Environment’s public display of Environmental Impact Statement - Completed

    September - October 2023

  • Project Submissions Report and Amendment Report to NSW Department of Planning, Housing, and Infrastructure - Completed

    First half 2024

  • Planning approval obtained from State government - Completed

    November 2024

  • Planning approval obtained from Commonwealth government - In progress

    Late 2024

  • Preparatory works, site establishment and early works - In progress

    Late 2024 to early 2025

  • Construction works starts on transmission lines and substations - Proposed

    Early 2025

  • Construction finishes - Proposed

    2027

Contact Us

  • Toll-free phone number: 1800 317 367
  • Email: humelink@transgrid.com.au 
  • Mail: HumeLink Community Engagement Team, PO BOX A1000, Sydney South NSW 1235
HumeLink

30 August 2023

Communities encouraged to respond to EIS for critical transmission project HumeLink

Landowners, community members and other stakeholders are encouraged to respond to the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) published today for the HumeLink project.

Community

25 October 2022

Transgrid welcomes strategic payments for landowners hosting new transmission

Transgrid has welcomed the NSW Government’s Strategic Benefit Payments scheme for new major transmission projects, which will support the transition to renewable energy and the supply of cheaper, cleaner and more reliable electricity for consumers.

Energy Transition

17 August 2022

Australian Energy Regulator approves early works funding for HumeLink

Transmission infrastructure leader Transgrid has welcomed the Australian Energy Regulator’s (AER) approval of all of the requested funding for Stage 1 (early works) of the HumeLink Project.